PROLOGUE
Manchester. Tuesday, 7 January 2014
I was in agony. The pain was immense. I couldnât believe it. I looked across at the alarm clock and saw that it was just after 1:30 a.m., and I hadnât been to sleep yet. How could I when all I wanted to do was vomit everything Iâd ever eaten.
I managed to roll out of bed and practically crawled to the bathroom. I made it to the toilet just in time. The sick was never-ending. I honestly thought I was going to bring up an organ. There was so much of it. It was like that scene from The Exorcist.
I must have woken my sister, Ruby, because I looked up to wipe my mouth and she was standing in the doorway. She had her hands on her hips and a serious look on her face like she was going to tell me off. If I hadnât felt like I was dying I would have laughed. How could she try and look mean and threatening when she was wearing Hello Kitty pyjamas?
âCould you be any louder about it?â
âSorry, Ruby, did I wake you?â
âNo, I always go for a walk around this time.â She looked at her wrist as if there was a watch there.
âSorry. I donât think I should have reheated that curry I had for my tea.â
âHave you made yourself sick so you donât have to go to school in the morning?â
âNo. Why would I do that?â
âBecause I heard you telling Dad you hadnât done your science homework.â
âIâve not made myself sick, Ruby. Go back to bed.â
I managed to pick myself up off the floor, although I felt dizzy and the sweat was pouring off me. I had to steady myself against the wall. I was shaking and hot but I felt cold at the same time. I had no idea a chicken korma could cause such agony.
âDo you want me to wake up Mum and Dad?â
âNo. Itâs OK. I think Iâll go downstairs and see if weâve got anything to settle my stomach.â